Luis Diaz will be released "as soon as possible", according to a Colombian government delegation involved in peace talks with left-wing ELN rebel group. On Saturday however, his mother Cilenis Marulanda was saved after she had been abducted at a petrol station.
Jurgen Klopp succeeded Brendan Rodgers at Borussia Dortmund in 2015 and led them to two UEFA Champions League finals - 2018 and 2022 - ultimately becoming its most successful manager with one win under his belt (2019).
Colombian government confirms ELN’s involvement
Otty Patino, head of the government's peace delegation to negotiate with rebel group National Liberation Army (ELN), announced Thursday that this organization orchestrated Luis Diaz's kidnap. ELN should release Diaz immediately and stop any more kidnapping attempts, according to Otty Patino who heads this delegation.
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The ELN is listed as a terrorist group by both the United States and European Union, having been implicated in violence and kidnapping acts across Colombia and Venezuela. Special forces have been searching for two suspected members, with both air and land patrols combing a mountain range on Colombia's border with Venezuela for them.
Klopp, 50, spent most of his playing career at Mainz 05 before taking over as manager in 2001. A staunch proponent of Gegenpressing football tactics that attempt to win back possession rather than simply regroup and wait for it back - his teams have won multiple league titles under him while reaching several UEFA Champions League finals under him.
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Diaz’s mother released
On Thursday, a representative for Colombia's ELN rebel group declared it would free Luis Manuel Diaz's father who was kidnapped at a gas station in Barrancas on October 28. While his mother was eventually freed by police a few hours later, her son remains detained.
ELN is one of the country's most powerful insurgent groups and currently engages in peace talks with the government in an attempt to bring an end to decades-long civil unrest. But their armed group has also been responsible for other crimes including kidnappings for ransom.
ELN's kidnapping of Diaz family has caused outrage across his homeland of Venezuela, where the player is hugely beloved. On Tuesday hundreds joined his mother Cilenis Marulanda in calling for the release of Diaz; while on Sunday after Liverpool's 3-0 Premier League win his teammates held up his jersey as a show of solidarity.
Diaz’s teammates show solidarity
Liverpool players showed their concern for Diaz and his family by raising a glass after Diogo Jota scored against Nottingham Forest to show that they were thinking about them during this difficult time. Jota held up his number seven shirt after scoring to show their thoughts were with Diaz during such a trying time.
Klopp has led Liverpool to unprecedented success since taking charge in 2015, taking them to two UEFA Champions League finals (in 2018 and 2022) as well as winning domestic cup double this season. He is widely considered one of the greatest managers ever.
But he's more than just an excellent football manager; he is also an admirable individual and an empathetic leader who understands that sport should be about more than winning alone. Because of this, he will always be revered by those who truly cherish its traditions - both players and supporters alike.
Klopp will let Diaz decide
Jurgen Norbert Klopp is widely considered one of the premier managers worldwide. After revolutionising Liverpool, Klopp took over Dortmund in 2008 despite an initial relegation into Division 2. From there, Klopp led three Bundesliga seasons and reached one UEFA Champions League final before losing to Bayern Munich (which remains his major disappointment).
The National Liberation Army (ELN), is an insurgent group involved in Colombia's six decade long conflict against its government. Their abduction of Diaz's father raised fears they could interfere with ongoing peace talks and compromise peace efforts.
Diogo Jota held up a shirt bearing Diaz's No 7 when celebrating against Nottingham Forest on Sunday; and Jurgen Klopp said Diaz will let him know whether or not he can play for Liverpool against Luton Town this weekend.